Established in 1975, the Australian Performing Arts Collection is formally recognised as a state collection but has a national focus encompassing the history of the performing arts in Australia across dance, music, opera, theatre, circus, comedy, puppetry and magic. The collection currently holds over 650,000 objects including costumes, set models, stage designs, props and puppets, photographs, posters, programs, and the archives of some of Australia’s most significant performers, companies and designers.

It is not often we get to open our doors to the public, but once a year during Open House Melbourne we get to do just that. During twelve tours over two days, we brought over 100 people through on a whirlwind, showstopping tour of the Australian Performing Arts Collection. So much to see and so little time!

Thank you to everyone who attended! We absolutely love showing you around and hope to get to share more of Australia’s performing arts history with you. We think this collection deserves a permanent gallery of it’s very own. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!

Who We Are

Arts Centre Melbourne is the proud custodian of Australia's leading Performing Arts Collection.

"Not some boring, dry, museum; but a living, growing entertainment for the whole family. The Performing Arts Collection is a treasure trove of the Australian performing arts." - Barry Humphries, Patron.

Established in 1975, it encompasses the history of circus, dance, music, opera and theatre. The Collection now holds over 640,000 items including costumes, designs, photographs, set models, puppets, props, posters, programs and archives.